An emergency appeal to save Hinckley’s only homeless hostel in the wake of county council cuts generated an “incredible” £38,000, charity trustees have heard.

Hinckley Homeless Group (HHG), which runs Lawrence House in Wood Street, made an urgent appeal for help after Leicestershire County Council pulled a £35,000 contract last October.

Money raised by organisations, businesses and individuals who responded to the call ensured that the hostel, which offers supported accommodation for homeless 16 to 25-year-olds, would survive for another financial year.

Speaking at the group’s first annual general meeting following the funding crisis, chairman David Steer said: “It was an absolutely incredible response.

“I just can’t thank people enough.

“We weren’t absolutely sure we would be here this time this year.

“That fundraising really has secured the year that we are in and the money is still coming in.”

Trustee Tim Render said: “We have enough money that will support this year’s budget to keep us open until March next year.

“Given what we were talking about last year, it is absolutely amazing.”

But he warned that “the situation remains challenging”.

The group says it still needs to raise at least £15,000 a year to keep the project running.

Vice chairman Diana Morgan explained: “We can cover our building management costs with housing benefit and rent but what we lost (from the county council) was used to pay for project workers who are the most important to enable the young people to be supported.”

The hostel staff has already been reduced, through natural wastage, to cut costs.

More donations would help to pay for more person time, so continued support from the community will be key to the project’s future.

Mr Steer said: “We are not here for fundraising, we are here to help young people, that is what we do.

“I believe there is still a need for a service here.

“The funding we have will sustain us for some time.

“We are not safe but we are in a really good position.”

Nearly 30 young people were supported by the project during the last financial year.

More have been supported in previous years but it is thought that uncertainty over the hostel’s future may have had an impact on take-up.

If you would like to support Lawrence House please call Hinckley 890688 or email info@hinckleyhomeless.com